Canceled: Escambia Extension Hosting Cooking Classes In Cantonment
September 17, 2018
Update: This class has been canceled.
Escambia County Extension will host two fun, easy and tasty cooking classes with hands-on lessons this week at the Langley Bell 4-H Center on Stefani Road.
The first night, Tuesday, September 18, will showcase Grilling Techniques and Instant Pot One Dish Meals.
The second night, Thursday, September 20, will showcase Easy Entertaining Techniques and Creative Appetizers.
Classes are $15 each. There will be prizes those attending both days.
For more information, including registration details, click here.
Pictured: A recent Escambia Extension salsa class at the Molino Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
September 17, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of September 17-21:
Monday, Sept. 17
Benefits Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, HR Training Room
Second Budget Public Hearing - 5:31 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Tuesday, Sept. 18
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Benefits Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, HR Training Room
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104
Wednesday, Sept. 19
Escambia Soil & Water Conservation – 8 a.m., 151 Highway 97, Molino
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Small Business and Veterans Expo – 6-8:30 p.m., Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St.
Thursday, Sept. 20
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review – 9:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Regular Meeting – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 17, 2018
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending August 23 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Allgood made several saltwater fisheries cases. He issued notice to appear citations for undersized triggerfish and spotted sea trout. He also cited a different subject for possession of red snapper during a closed season.
Officers Allgood and Long were on a vessel stop when they noticed a vessel dock at a residence. Officer Allgood knew who lived at the residence and did not recognize the vessel or individuals as the owner of the property. As they approached the vessel, two of the occupants got out of the vessel and quickly walked away. After confirming with the residents that the individuals were trespassing, Officer Allgood exited the vessel and confronted the individuals. One of the individuals was compliant but the other refused to identify himself and walked away. Officer Allgood gave loud verbal commands to stop and the subject refused. The officer then attempted to place the subject in handcuffs. The subject resisted and both Officer Allgood and the subject ended up on the ground. Officer Allgood gained control of the subject after a short struggle. Officer Allgood arrested the subject and charged him with resisting an officer with violence, possession of a concealed weapon, armed trespass, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officer Long arrested the second subject on an active warrant out of Arkansas.
As Officer Allgood was driving to a commercial fisheries offload inspection, he noticed a vehicle swerving out of its lane and off the road. He stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver. The driver showed several signs of impairment and was asked to perform several field sobriety exercises. He did poorly on the exercises and was arrested for DUI. A breath sample was given, and the results were .175 blood alcohol content. The driver was booked into the Escambia County Jail.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Wilkenson was on vessel patrol in Santa Rosa Sound near the Navarre Beach Boat Ramp. The officer saw a PWC being operated in Santa Rosa Sound by an individual that appeared to under the age of 14 years old with a passenger onboard. A vessel stop was conducted to determine the age of the operator. Officer Wilkenson saw the PWC kill-switch attached to the operator and he was the only person whose hands were on the handle/steering column. The officer determined the operator was 12 years old. The minimum age to operate a PWC is 14 years old. Further, the operator did not have a boater safety card. The PWC was a private vessel and owned by the parents of the operator. It was determined the mother allowed her underage son to operate the PWC. The parent was issued a notice to appear citation.
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling in the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area when he saw a vessel from his position at Keyser Landing. As he watched, the two men worked bush hooks and a trotline, and while doing so, they baited the lines with live bream. When they returned to the ramp, Officer Hutchison contacted them and they admitted to using bream for bait on the lines. Both men were cited for using bream for bait
This report represents some events the FWC handled; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Annie Jones UMC Donates School Supplies To Ernest Ward Middle
September 17, 2018
Annie Jones United Methodist Church in Walnut Hill recently presented a wagon full of school supplies to Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured: Ernest Ward Dean Byran Hicks, Principal Nancy Perry and Annie Jones UMC Pastor Lee Bateman. Photos of NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gerald Earl “Jerry” Rich Jr.
September 17, 2018
Gerald Earl “Jerry” Rich Jr., age 67, was born July 24, 1951 in Coral Gables, FL to Gerald Earl Sr. and Olive (Haines) Rich. Jerry graduated from Escambia High School in 1969. Jerry also graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of West Florida and a Masters in Management from Troy University. Jerry spent his life as an educator to many. Jerry was in the naval aviation flight class of 0577, where he was a naval pilot and flight instructor. After retiring from the Navy, Jerry worked as a middle school teacher and dean for Warrington, Ransom, and Ferry Pass Middle Schools. Additionally, Jerry was the night school coordinator for Escambia High School’s adult program for several years. Jerry touched the lives and helped shape the futures of numerous men and women. After retiring from the Escambia County school system, Jerry enjoyed fishing, golfing, spending time with his grandchildren, and working with the men’s ministry at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Pensacola, FL. Jerry is survived by his four children: Kathryn (husband Matt) Boliew and David (wife Bryce); Jerrod and James (wife Lauren)—with their mother, Carla; brother, James “Jimmy” (wife Nancy); sister, Julie (Caldwell); six grandchildren: Zoe, Jocelyn, Trevor, Jaxson, Riley, and Gemma; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Services will be held at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel in Pensacola, FL at 5:00PM on Saturday, September 22, 2018. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Saturday.
Edith Yvonne Bonifay Huggins
September 17, 2018
Edith Yvonne Bonifay Huggins was born July 23, 1925 in Pensacola, FL. She flew away home to Heaven on September 13, 2018, into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was the best wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend one could hope for. She was dearly loved by all who knew her. Her love, hospitality, and laugh were contagious, and she was the life of the party. She taught us by example how to live a Godly life, and prayed for everyone in the family and her friends daily.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John F. Huggins; her parents, Clinton and Kathryn Bonifay; her sisters, Anita Creary and Elaine Hudson; her two sons, John D. and Stephen F. Huggins.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Sandra Huggins, Kathryn (Al) Taylor, Elaine (Ken) Mason; her grandchildren, Nancy Peters, Stephen (Kathryn) Huggins, John (Mary) Huggins, Phadrhea (Chuck) Lapierre, Jacob (Chelle) Mason, Adam Mason, Jennifer (C.D.) Corbin, Tara Taylor, Joshua (Sarah) Mason; and many, many great and great-great grandchildren.
We could not have asked for better care for Edith than was given by her daughters Sandra, Kathy, and Elaine, and granddaughter Nancy. Special thanks to Erica,Ginger, and Maria of Regency Hospice, who loved Edith and her family and comforted the sisters in her final days.
A memorial service was held at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home in Cantonment, FL on Monday, September 17, 2018, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating.
Flowers are welcome as are donations to Regency Hospice and Heritage Baptist Church in Cantonment, FL.
Damon Dwight Bell
September 17, 2018
Damon Dwight Bell, 64 of Atmore, AL, passed away at his residence on Friday, September 14, 2018. He worked at Bay Wood Products as a purchasing agent and also worked in tele-communications for many years. He was born in Atmore, AL, on October 28, 1953, to the late Floyd and Annie Ruth Moye Bell.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda Powell Bell of Atmore, AL; three sons, Justin (Paulette) Bell of Pensacola, FL, Kevin (Sheila) Bell of McCullough, AL, Keith (Rebecca) Bell of Robertsdale, AL; one daughter, Amanda (Eric) McBrayer of Birmingham, AL; two brothers, Dempsey Bell and Donald Bell, both of Evergreen, AL; one sister, Arieta Walker of Atmore, AL; and 8 grandchildren.
Services will be Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Dempsey Bell and Bro. Donald Bell officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Justin Bell, Kevin Bell, Keith Bell, and Derek Bell.
Family will receive friends, Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Cantonment Man Sentenced To Three Years For Drug Trafficking
September 16, 2018
A Cantonment man was recently sentenced to three years in prison on drug trafficking charges. He was also fined $50,000.
Jeffrey Scott Walker, 36, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and loitering and prowling
Escambia County deputies reported finding Walker in a Nissan Altima parked next to a privacy fence on private property off Wasatch Range Loop, east of the Mobile Highway intersection.
After deputies observed the ripped-off corner of a plastic baggie next to the driver’s door of Walker’s car, a K-9 was called and alerted on the vehicle.
Deputies found multiple baggies of crystal methamphetamine with a combined weight of 18.4 grams, multiple baggies of powder cocaine with a total weight of 2.2 grams, 30 amphetamine tables, a digital scale and two burnt glass pipes with residue. Walker was also in possession of a “daily log” notebook which is often used to record drug transactions, according to an arrest report.
Deputies reported finding multiple baggies of crystal methamphetamine with a combined weight of 18.4 grams, multiple baggies of powder cocaine with a total weight of 2.2 grams, 30 amphetamine tables, a digital scale and two burnt glass pipes with residue. Walker was also in possession of a “daily log” notebook which is often used to record drug transactions, according to an arrest report.
More Heat, Humidity
September 16, 2018
After a record high of 97 in Pensacola Saturday, more heat and a high heat index are expected for Sunday. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Olive Baptist To Celebrate Opening Of Ministry Village Early Learning Center
September 16, 2018
Olive Baptist Church will hold a dedication service next weekend for their new $1.6 million Ministry Village Early Learning Center, followed by an open house.
The Ministry Village ELC will provide Christ-centered, high-quality care year-round to infants and children ages 3 months to 5 years, and will participate in the Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program.
“Ministry Village at Olive is devoted to meeting the needs of our community members and helping them pursue and achieve their most excellent futures,” said Stan Lollar, executive director of Ministry Village at Olive. “Our work with people who are struggling with addiction or financial difficulties continues to be fundamental to our organization.
“But with the emerging research on early learning in Escambia County, and the struggles that our youngest community members are having in preschool, grade school and beyond, we felt a call to be involved in meeting the educational needs of young children and families. Through the Ministry Village ELC, we have the opportunity to reach local families and help lay a solid early learning foundation that will better serve our children and our entire community far into the future of Northwest Florida.”
The dedication service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, September 23.